Reverend, Reverend, Please Come Quick

Xairo stalked through the valley, his paws crunching on the smooth stones beneath him. The strange white rocks glinted in the fading light, casting an eerie glow. He flicked his forked tongue, tasting the crisp autumn air. This place was different. And that's exactly why he liked it. Marble Wash was the perfect spot to get away from the rest of the pack when they were being annoying. Which was most of the time.

He leapt nimbly up onto a boulder, surveying the riverbed like it was his kingdom. Out here, he could pretend he was in charge. That he was the boss of everyone. Not like back at the den, where the adults were always telling him what to do. Xairo huffed and swished his tail. It wasn't fair. He was almost a year old now - practically an adult. But they still treated him like a dumb pup. He'd show them though. Someday he'd be the strongest, smartest, most important of them all. Then they'd have to respect him.

A flicker of movement caught his eye. A small lizard skittered between two rocks. Xairo crouched, a growl rumbling in his throat. He bunched his haunches beneath him. In a flash, he pounced, pinning the wriggling creature beneath his paws. Xairo glared down at his captive, a surge of satisfaction rushing through him. The lizard squirmed desperately, its tiny claws scrabbling against the hard stone, but it was no match for Xairo's strength. He could crush its delicate bones with one snap of his jaws. The power was intoxicating.

And yet, as quickly as it had come, the thrill faded. Xairo released his grip, watching dispassionately as the lizard raced away and disappeared into a crevice. What was the point? It was just a dumb lizard. Not even worth his time.

"Xairo Saxe"